UPDATE: Residents of San Benito County are facing an urgent delay in their CalFresh food stamp benefits for November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a notice from the San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency.
As of now, 7,742 people and 3,794 families in the county rely on CalFresh benefits, which are funded by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If the shutdown persists, officials warn that funding for November will not be available, leaving many vulnerable families without critical support.
Tracey Belton, Director of HHSA, stated, “While we are hopeful that federal funding will be restored quickly, we must prepare our community for all outcomes.” Her comments underscore the urgent need for families to seek alternative support systems during this precarious time.
CalFresh benefits for October have already been issued and will remain unaffected by the funding delay. However, the uncertainty around the federal funding will impact the timing of the next payments, not eligibility, the county reassured recipients.
“CalFresh is a vital lifeline for many families, older adults, and children in San Benito County,” Belton added. Recipients are strongly encouraged to monitor their EBT accounts and explore other food assistance options now to ensure they can access food during this financial gap.
The State of California has indicated that it expects to finance CalWORKs benefits for November, providing some relief in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding CalFresh.
Residents are urged to stay informed as the situation develops and to prepare for potential disruptions in food access. The community’s resilience will be critical as they navigate the challenges posed by the federal shutdown.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
